It’s the time of year when people start promising themselves to make important changes in their lives and stick with them. But those New Year’s resolutions tend to fade come February, especially when it comes to breaking oral health habits that have long been the norm.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little extra motivation to help keep those promises, and Orchard Dental Associates is here to provide that motivation this year. Take a look at this easy guide for all you need to know about why your dental health matters and how you can maintain it this year.

The Reality Check: Why New Year’s Resolutions Often Fail

If you’ve struggled to keep up with your New Year’s resolutions in the past, you should know you’re not alone. Research shows that less than 10% of all Americans complete their resolutions.

When it comes to oral health resolutions, it’s easy to see why many struggle to avoid becoming part of that statistic. You may have maintained the poor oral hygiene habits you’ve been trying to break for many years, if not most of your life.

Expecting a sudden drastic change in how you practice oral hygiene without any hiccups along the way may not be realistic, but with some useful tips and a little grace, you can most definitely make the change.

The Significance of Consistent Oral Health Practices

One great way to keep yourself motivated to maintain your resolutions this year is to better understand what’s at risk when you don’t care for your oral health. Not only will you be giving yourself a boost of confidence by maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile, but you’ll also be avoiding some unpleasant and potentially costly issues, such as cavities, tooth damage, and tooth infections.

And it’s not just the health of your teeth and gums that you’re protecting by practicing great oral hygiene either. Your oral health is directly connected to your overall health. Issues like gum disease and tooth infections are linked to a wide array of medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even cancer.

Keeping up with your oral hygiene will go a long way toward maintaining a beautiful smile and a clean bill of health, but don’t forget you can’t do it all on your own. Regular dental visits are crucial for preventing and treating any emergent oral health issues.

Motivational Strategies for Oral Health Resolutions

Here are some easy tips for keeping yourself on track to meet and beat those New Year’s oral health goals.

Keep things manageable.

Big goals are great to strive for, but they can be overwhelming, and that can ultimately lead to a failed resolution. Rather than looking at the ultimate prize, break your resolution down into more manageable goals, and take things day by day.

Celebrate your achievements.

You may not be at the finish line just yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. Any time you’ve hit a new milestone, make sure to give yourself some credit.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

Your new oral health routine can feel like a lot of work for a little reward if you’re too focused on day-to-day improvements. Your healthy new smile will take time to achieve, but if you just remember how much newfound confidence and all the health benefits your new routine will provide, you’re far more likely to stay on track.

Hold yourself accountable.

Teaming up with someone to meet your goals is almost always a better way to ensure you meet them. Find a support system and hold one another accountable.

Practical Tips to Stay on Track

Follow these tips, and you’re far more likely to achieve the smile of your dreams this year.

Develop a consistent routine.

Forming a solid habit requires consistency. This means being consistent in both how you care for your oral health and when you do it. Brush twice a day and floss once a day—and make sure to do these two things around the same time every day. A great way to do this is to use technology to set daily reminders to maintain that routine.

Make it more enjoyable.

Finding a great-tasting toothpaste, a comfortable toothbrush, and a simple and effective flossing style can go a long way toward keeping you on track to meet your goals.

See your dentist regularly.

You can only do so much to maintain your oral health at home. Seeing your dentist twice a year for a routine exam and cleaning will keep your smile healthy and beautiful and help you stay accountable.

You deserve a healthy smile this year.

Resolving to protect your oral health this year will come with its hurdles, but there’s no doubt that if you stick to them, you’ll have even more reasons to flash that brighter, healthier smile this time next year.

The Best Family Dentist in Corpus Christi

Orchard Dental Associates can help you stick to those New Year’s resolutions so you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.